Molluscum Contagiosum, histopathology, high mag.

Diagnosis: Molluscum Contagiosum, histopathology, high mag.

Molluscum bodies. Courtesy of Dr. Ed Uthman

Clinical Presentation

Molluscum bodies. Courtesy of Dr. Ed Uthman

Clinical History

Submitted by dermRounds Dermatology Network. Originally posted June 27, 2008.

Treatment

See case discussion.

Differential Diagnosis

• Verruca vulgaris • Basal cell carcinoma (small) • Milia • Cryptococcosis (immunocompromised) • Histoplasmosis (immunocompromised) • Folliculitis • Keratoacanthoma

Key Learnings

• Caused by Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) — a poxvirus • Pearly, dome-shaped papules with central umbilication are pathognomonic • Self-limited in immunocompetent patients (6-12 months), but may persist for years • Widespread or giant lesions in HIV → check CD4 count • Eczema molluscatum: molluscum in areas of atopic dermatitis • BOTE sign (beginning of the end): surrounding dermatitis/inflammation heralds spontaneous resolution • Histology: Henderson-Patterson bodies (eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusions)

Tags: molluscum, contagiosum, histopathology, high, mag, dermrounds dermatology network